Sign up for our free daily newsletter
Get the latest news and some fun stuff
in your inbox every day
Illumina is one of our 'future hero' investments. The company accounts for about 80% of the emerging DNA sequencing market. The Human Genome Project was responsible for the first sequencing of human DNA - it took 13 years, 1990 to 2003, and cost $2.7 billion. Since then technology has improved so much that it now takes less than a day and only costs $600.
Last week Illumina unveiled their newest sequencing machine, with significant improvements. It will be capable of generating more than 20 000 whole genomes a year, a 2.5x increase over the older model. Thanks to improved technology and quicker processing times, operating costs drop from $600 to $200 per sequence. The benefits do come with a slightly higher price tag though. The machine will cost $1.25 million, up from the current model's $950 000.
It's exciting to see the rapid changes in this emerging industry. As costs drop quickly, we will start to see DNA-tailored medication. The industry has massive growth potential. Illumina's share price has been rising lately on this news.
